Czech-Slovak relations on thin ice as fallout over Ukraine intensifies

In what's being called a significant diplomatic snub, Czech Prime Minister Petr Fiala has suspended upcoming Czech-Slovak intergovernmental consultations; informal cabinet meetings that have been held since 2012 and aim to showcase warm relations between the neighboring countries.

Fiala's decision stems from substantial differences in key foreign policy matters, notably the conflicting stances on the ongoing war in Ukraine. Slovakia, led by populist Prime Minister Robert Fico, remains resolute in not providing military material from its army stocks to support Ukraine, leading to increased tensions.

"We are convinced that there is no need for a joint meeting of the two governments today. We have informed the Slovak side of our decision and our intention to postpone the meeting," Fiala said.

Fiala's decision follows a series of disagreements in foreign policy, intensifying since Fico's government took office in October.

Fico, opposing support for Ukraine, halted military aid, advocated ceding territory to Moscow, while Slovak Foreign Minister Juraj Blanár met with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov in Turkey in early March. In a late February meeting of the Visegrád Four in Prague, Fico's alignment with Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, also a proponent of peace talks, caused divisions in the regional alliance.

Last weekend, Fico criticized the withdrawal of an Italian air defense system from Slovakia, prompting a sharp retort from Czech Minister for European Affairs Martin Dvořák, who suggested Fico ask Putin for protection. Objections to a Dutch embassy-organized debate on Slovakia's political situation strained relations, led to the summoning of the Dutch ambassador by the Slovak Foreign Ministry.

Slovak President Zuzana Čaputová expressed regret over the decision, emphasizing the importance of preserving relations. She remarked: "If we weaken our foreign policy in terms of values, we may lose friends. I am sorry that this is happening. From my position, I will continue to try to strengthen mutual relations."

However, Fico, in response, accused the Czech government of jeopardizing Slovak-Czech relations solely to support the war in Ukraine. He affirmed Slovakia's commitment to peace, stating: "The Slovak government will never put such deep Slovak-Czech relations in any danger."

The situation has stirred strong reactions, with opposition figures expressing concern over Slovakia's isolation. Michal Šimečka, chairman of the Slovak senior opposition Progressive Slovakia, deemed it the worst moment since the establishment of the independent Czech Republic and Slovakia in 1993.

The cancellation of the traditional meeting of the two nations has sparked international concern as well, with the Slovak opposition Freedom and Solidarity party criticizing Fico's aggressive domestic policy and alignment with Kremlin interests. Slovak Member of European Parliament Miriam Lexmann said Slovakia is paying the price not only domestically but also abroad.